Having a quiet Monday in order to create publicity for workshops and services I am taking in October, November and December.
Have completed draft flyers and pleased at how easily they have come together. Emailed them off for feedback from the fresh eyes of others, others more skilled in Publisher than I am.
Aware of mild anxiety but also very aware of the context of the last few days. I have nothing to be worried about really. And my heart goes out to the thousands of people affected by the tragedies in Samoa, American Samoan, Tonga and now Indonesia.
Life can change very quickly. We all know that but we are so safe here in Australia compared to other countries and compared to most of our neighbours in the rest of Asia.
As I prepared this year's flyer for my 'Blue Christmas service', a service for those for whom Christmas is difficult due to grief, loss, depression, loneliness or some other hard stuff in their life, I think of those affected by our tragedy this year - the bushfires - and consequently I have booked the largest public space I can find in Wallan - the hall at the multi-purpose centre. I also did this because some people may prefer to attend a secular space. But now I realise that for those affected by the fires, the multi-purpose hall may also bring back bad memories. I will have to reflect on that. But maybe by using the hall for the 'Blue Christmas service' it may become a place of healing.
I pray for all those who have experienced tragedy, suffering, pain, grief and heartache. May there be healing and renewal, resilience and hope.
May there be people to listen and attend to your story. Really listen. Not just block your pain with platitudes or advice. What a gift it is to have someone really listen to us. To be strong enough to hear our pain and sit comfortably with us as we express it. I hope you who read this know that gift. I pray I bring that gift to others.
Today I hope to bring that gift to Aboriginal women of the north. I pray I can be fully present with them and I can respectfully listen to their story, honouring their journey, comfortable with any pain or grief they wish to share. I hope today will be the start of a long-term relationship with these women that will bring us mutual pleasure and comfort. Amen.